In this introductory episode Sibel Edmonds, Guillermo Jimenez and Pearse Redmond introduce the new BFP Roundtable Season and discuss new ideas and possibilities for coming shows. From there the panel quickly moves on to its first topic: Senator Graham’s so-called smoking gun (The infamous redacted 28-pages), the possible reasons for and timing of this old pickled issue’s circulation, in conjunction with the Saudi Arabia-Yemen angle and connections. The panel heatedly debunks more than one widespread spin used by mainstream and pseudo-alternative media outlets in reporting Saudi Arabia’s assault on Yemen with the carefully-designed Iran element. And finally, the panel invites BFP activist community members to join and expand this discussion and provide their ideas for coming roundtable discussion topics.

*This is our introductory episode for the new BFP Roundtable season. The coming episodes will be here at Boiling Frogs Post, and will be available only to BFP activist members. You can subscribe and join our community here.

After 14 months at billionaire Pierre Omidyar’s media startup, First Look, Ken Silverstein bailed out, pulling the ripcord at the end of February. Admittedly disgruntled and angry, Silverstein offers a stark, insider’s perspective, describing Omidyar as a “pathetic clown” who did not interfere in the journalism because “he’s not smart enough”. Promised the resources and freedom to practice “fearless journalism”, Silverstein reveals micromanaging over bar receipts by the billionaire, and massive dysfunction that prevented his stories from being published. Taking swipes at former colleagues Glenn Greenwald and Jeremy Scahill, Silverstein also slams Pando for its reporting on his departure, and gets pretty testy when asked if he should’ve researched Omidyar before he went to work for him.

*Ken Silverstein founded Counterpunch, and reported for the Los Angeles Times and Harper’s. His most recent book is The Secret World of Oil. You can read his recent article @ Politico.

Welcome to our eleventh episode of Probable Cause. Per your requests, for this episode we are going to continue our coverage of the system’s indispensable tool-the media, as another major channel to infiltrate viable opposition, distort facts and truth, and disseminate and popularize propaganda.

In addition to sheep-dipped journalism, we are going to discuss several other methods and tactics utilized by the deep state to direct, control and censure information. Domestic espionage, censorship of pertinent information, and dissemination of misinformation by the media can take many different sizes and shapes. In relative terms some may be more innocuous than others, and some more indirect than belligerently direct. However, no matter the degree or behind-the-scene justification, the end result is the same.

As with our previous episodes I will be providing you with real-life examples and cases to illustrate these methods and practices, and their end results. And as always our next episode will be based on your reaction, critique, responses and questions posed in the comments section below.

Welcome to our tenth episode of Probable Cause. In this episode we will cover another channel used by the powers to infiltrate viable opposition, to distort facts and truth, and to disseminate and popularize well-designed propaganda. We are going to talk about the media, both mainstream and pseudo-alternatives, and journalists.

As part of this discussion we will talk about how the internet was expected, supposed, to change certain dynamics that had been present in classic mainstream media operations, and whether those expectations came to fruition or not. We will discuss how the same tactics used against activist networks and movements have been put into action targeting the new alternative information mediums: from luring with money and blackmail to entrapment via sheep-dipped operatives.

We will then move to the state’s utilization of reporters as traps to detect, stop and catch sources and whistleblowers, and the lie called ‘honoring confidentiality.’ And finally we will talk about what happens when money as lure is not sufficient, so, the utilization of the good-ole blackmail tactic is used.

As with our previous episodes I will be providing you with real-life examples and cases as context, and will outline the tactic through a step-by-step account. I will be providing my take based on my experience and through my own personal lens and analyses. And as usual our next episode will be based on your reaction, critique, responses and questions posed in the comments section below.

The other day I was chatting with a man who was expressing his appreciation for our irate minority home-Boiling Frogs Post. Everything, all the brief communication, up to a certain point, was going well. Until … until he made the following comment:

I love what you guys are doing. It is activism, and it is so badly needed. I wish I had the time to participate and contribute work to your site. But the thing is I have a very hectic life … a full-time job, family and kids, and elderly mother who is about to go to a care facility, and a bunch of health issues. So, unfortunately, I can’t afford spending any time on activism at this time.

I was truly taken aback. I was offended. I was also offended on behalf of all my partners and activist friends here at BFP. Why? Here is why: [Read more...]

This week Boiling Frogs Show brings to you an unusual segment. Peter B. and I decided to have a show where we just talk-talking the talk. The day we recorded this show my mood was totally affected by Jeremy Hammond’s speech during his sentencing session. We talked about that. We also discussed my latest commentary on Activism Within the System and what it means, and from there we ventured into the major disinformation campaign brought to you by Democracy Now, the pseudo-alternative fronts, Peter B.’s coverage of the Roger Shuler case, and beyond. Just to let you know, this was a show where I didn’t have to bite my tongue 😉

The New Gold Mines in the US Business Arena: Government-Approved & Establishment-Funded NGOs

Four years ago two Wall Street men came together and said: ‘Let’s set up a new business and make lots of money.’ They thought and researched and thought some more until they found the best business model to empower and enrich themselves on a grand scale: A Tax-Exempt NGO to be posed as An Alternative Media. And they did it.

The smart Wall Street men were absolutely right. They quickly raised $6 Million dollars from men and women who were seeking Wall Street men to pose as common men’s alternative media outlet. These men and women have been in the business of controlled-opposition for the masses for a long time. It was a marriage made in heaven.[Read more...]

The Gold Mine Called “Alternative Media”- Four Years in Business with $37 Million in Revenues & $584, 914 in Annual Salaries

Yesterday we published a report exposing ProPublica- A 501 (C) (3) Nonprofit Organization in New York City, born in 2008, under the guise of Independent Alternative Media. The highly successful enterprise was the brainchild of two crusty Wall Street men: Paul Steiger and Richard Tofel.

During the first year of its operation ProPublica secured $6,000,000 in seed money from all the who’s who of corporate foundations and dynasties such as Rockefeller, Carnegie, George Soros, Ford, Goldman Fund, Hewlett Foundation, etc.

Since their enterprise operation began in July of 2008, ProPublica has secured over $37,000,000 in funding from all the corporate sugar daddies, some of whom are mentioned above.[Read more...]

We often hear of viewing the world in black and white terms. In many of my interviews I talk about the tendency of people to simplify politics by dividing its actors into two groups: guys in white hats versus guys in black hats. I don’t know how much of this is cultural, nor have I pinpointed a correlation further explaining this phenomenon. But I know one thing: in our current political world filled with deception and showcased on a stage of smoke and mirrors, this trend of seeking absolute heroes and villains counters the ultimate goal of finding the truth and real answers.[Read more...]

The following headline news was reported by Guardian-UK on Friday, and has been picked up and circulated by other mainstream and alternatives alike since:

West training Syrian rebels in Jordan

Western training of Syrian rebels is under way in Jordan in an effort to strengthen secular elements in the opposition as a bulwark against Islamic extremism, and to begin building security forces to maintain order in the event of Bashar al-Assad's fall.

Jordanian security sources say the training effort is led by the US, but involves British and French instructors.

…

According to European and Jordanian sources the western training in Jordan has been going on since last year and is focused on senior Syrian army officers who defected.

…

Is this an accurate report? Is it right and credible? Yes- most definitely. However, what is being reported and marketed as breaking news and headline-worthy is as stale as a 15-month old moldy loaf of bread. How do I know that? Boiling Frogs Post broke that story 15 months ago. Together with James Corbett we broke and covered that story as the only news source for it while being ignored and in some cases attacked by the mainstream and pseudo-alternatives.

Let’s set the record straight on what we reported 15 months ago, and have us question the reason, or reasons, why the mainstream and their quasi-offshoots kept a lid on it for this long. Here is our first report on December 11, 2011:[Read more...]

From Omission to Non-Denial Denials

On November 5 I published a piece on David Swanson’s well-made case in an interview on voting independent, with a few deservedly strong words on ‘The Real News’ sharing common characteristics with way-too-many pseudo or semi-alternative news outlets backed by the same-alphabet-soup of foundation backers and tainted by the same-divisive & destructive-partisanship. You can watch the interview clip in question and read my commentary here.

This morning I received a rant-full and long-winded e-mail from Mr. Paul Jay- the founder and host of this not very real ‘Real News’ network- filled with lawsuit threats against me, poorly-argued points, omitted facts, non-denial denials, and a few plain old lies. Per his request and happily I just posted his e-mail response in the comment section of my commentary post here. Okay, now I want to further highlight and elaborate on my factual statements and assessment of Mr. Jay and his enterprise ironically (and uncreatively) called ‘The Real News.’ In order to do this I am going to take one point at a time, put each in context, provide real examples and parallels, and let you assess each one’s validity.[Read more...]

The followers of Boiling Frogs Post know where I stand on responding to petty attacks, name-calling, and false-labeling geared towards our articles, analyses and interviews. For the last three years we have simply ignored vicious attacks and have continued our independent and nonpartisan mode of operation at this website. When we take on the Israel lobby we are labeled ‘anti-Semite.’ When we cover the Gulen lobby and movement we are yelled at as ‘Anti-Muslim.’ When we criticize President Obama we are tagged ‘racist.’ And when we go after Republican Neocons we are categorized as ‘bleeding heart liberals.’ Obviously, we can’t be all those things simultaneously. Obviously, taking on each and every one of these smear campaigns would be an act of futility, a waste of time and energy. Thus; our silence; our three-year-long track record of ignoring.

Today, for the first time, I am going on record with publicly responding to the most vicious name-calling and smearing campaign I have ever faced. When I say ‘ever’ that includes my entire ten-year battle as a whistleblower. During my ten-year long battle as a whistleblower, as the director of the largest national security whistleblower organization, and as an activist, I have never been attacked so viciously, blatantly, and nastily by any media, forum, or group. Never. What makes it worse is that it comes from a now-pseudo alternative site which I used to support, until recently. And what makes it even worse than that is the attack and labeling being targeted not only at me, but also at my partners and authors here at BFP whom I value and respect. I carefully select my partners and contributing authors and analysts here at BFP. Once selected as partners, I treat them as such, and happen to be highly protective of them. That’s me.

Last week I wrote a commentary on Antiwar.Com which I believed, and still believe, to be an attempt to salvage a website that was once-upon a time a solid alternative media site:[Read more...]

Paul Craig Roberts on Silencing the Critics

I just finished reading Paul Craig Roberts’ latest commentary on silencing the critics. It is a must read- maybe not for the already-vigilant minority who’ve been saying and writing about this for years, but for those still in denial. Here are a few fiery excerpts telling the truth as it is:

The idea that the US is a democracy when it most definitely does not have a free watchdog press is laughable. But the media is not laughing. It is lying. Just like the government, every time the US mainstream media opens its mouth or writes one word, it is lying. Indeed, its corporate masters pay its employees to tell lies. That is their job. Tell the truth, and you are history like Buchanan and Napolitano and Helen Thomas.…Whose interests are being served by Washington’s endless and multi-trillion dollar wars? Certainly not the interests of the 50 million Americans with no access to health care, nor by the 1,500,000 American children who are homeless, living in cars, rundown motel rooms, tent cities, and the storm sewers under Las Vegas, while huge amounts of public funds are used to bail out banks and squandered in wars of hegemony. [Read more...]

We at Boiling Frogs Post, disgusted with the mainstream and pseudo-alternative media, have made a statement. We have taken action. We have become the needed alternative media.

Those of you who have had enough of mainstream propaganda and agenda-driven quasi alternatives can make a statement and take action as well. You can turn your back on them and make the real alternative your media.

Every week we bring to you enlightening, bold and hard-hitting podcast interviews and talk-shows not found elsewhere. Every week we present to you original investigative video reportson major topics blacked out by ‘others.’ Every week we showcase daring editorials, commentaries and political cartoons by truly independent experts and reporters. And every evening we provide you with an extensive collection of national and international news and views carefully selected from a wide array of sources.

We have been doing our share. This is our statement. We are taking action. Please do your share. Make a statement. Take action. Make Boiling Frogs Post, the real alternative, your media.

This is Week 3 of our Quarterly Subscription-Donation drive. The existence of this project is solely dependent on you. Our truly independent, nonpartisan, corporate-advertisement-free and corporation-foundation-free website can only be sustained through collective support; your support. Please subscribe or donate to Boiling Frogs Post.

The Only Way to Remain Corporate-Free & Nonpartisan

Every time I read lines pertaining to this ludicrous and completely illogical expectation that everything on the Internet should be free I am tempted to sit down and write a lengthy analysis of the illogical and ludicrousness of this unfortunately prevailing mentality among the new ignorant internet-dependent generation. However, each time I restrain myself and move on since the limited amount of time I have could instead be spent on far more critical and needed projects. This time I will slightly change my routine, take a few minutes of my limited time, and write a few words on this topic as it directly relates to our website and our efforts to keep it alive, running, and effective.

The other day I came across a well-written and argued commentary on this outrageously ridiculous and uninformed “everything free on the Internet” mentality:

“We created this culture. We’re the ones who have been giving stuff away for free for the past decade, not collecting anyone’s credit card information. We’ve conditioned users that everything should be free, always. This gives advertisers the upper hand in any negotiation, because they know that their way is the only way that most sites can make money. Why is this such a big deal? Relevant, contextual advertising isn’t bad, right? Not in moderation, no (see The Deck). But when ads become the only way out and advertisers are the ones calling the shots, users suffer. Also, as a matter of principle I firmly believe that it’s better to pay the makers of things directly than through some convoluted ad system.”

There is nothing that is free-on the Internet or anywhere in life. Period. There has never been, and will never be. Period. In almost all cases, when it comes to the Internet, “Free” has one meaning: someone or someones is paying for what is being offered. The only logical question then becomes: Why. If advertisers are paying- why would they? If corporate foundations and the sugar-daddies behind them are dishing out the money- why are they? If political parties and persons are chipping in- why do they? If a group motivated by a certain goal or agenda is shouldering the cost: Why is it?

This is why it is extremely hard to find information and news sources that can be considered truly independent. This is the reason it is a rarity to see those that are 100% nonpartisan. This is the explanation for way too many agenda-driven propaganda channels on the Internet posing as alternatives. And this is exactly why we at Boiling Frogs Post solely, completely, 100%, only, depend on our readers’ contributions and support.

You see, the question we face at BFP is not whether we should offer our diligently prepared podcast shows, time-consuming video productions, and in depth analyses and articles for free, or, not. The real question we face is: whether we continue this website and all that we provide, or, go out and work full-time and cease operation all together. There are no in-between points here.

You see, I first reduced my part-time contract work hours to start this project. I then reduced it again by half. And after that, last September, I quit it all together. If you have a chance please take a look at my qualifications under ‘About Us.’ For my ex-contract analyst-specialist contract work which also needed my linguistic skills I made $125 per hour. This is money my family no longer has. And there is no way I could manage full-time motherhood, part-time contract work, household work, and a full-time website. No one could. For me it boils down to: shut down BFP, obtain another 25-hrs per week contract, or, make far less, live on far less, have your modest support, and continue and expand this great news-information project.

One of our partners-producers had to quit his full-time academic job in order to provide greater and far more needed public good: investigative reports-production. He too has a family. He too has to sustain his family. He too must choose between living on far less, continuing this needed work by depending on your modest contributions, or, go back to a full-time teaching job and consider doing this an impossibility.

Another one of our partners-producers lost his primary part-time job (thanks to the corporate media!). This is a critical period for him to see whether he can make it through a couple of public-supported information sites, or, go out and enroll full-time with semi-mainstream operated channels out there. That decision too depends on you.

Yet another partner-producer-author is in the position of juggling a full-time student load, a part-time job, and our project here at Boiling Frogs Post. Neither I nor anyone else with common sense could expect him to choose getting evicted from his house or quitting his academic pursuits as the price for working for a far greater public good.

The other day I got an e-mail accusing us of being elitists and offering our work only to those who pay for a subscription. This is nonsense. It is uninformed and frankly, very ignorant. We have gone out of our way to find the right balance in being able to afford to run this project and yet offer all our services and news to everyone. That is why we are making all our archived podcasts and video reports open and free to all. And you know what? Without our supporters doing their share, contributing, however modest, we won’t be able to continue doing that. Again, this is why we call the maintenance and continuation of this project a collective responsibility.

This is Week 2 of our Quarterly Subscription-Donation drive. The existence of this project is solely dependent on you. Our truly independent, nonpartisan, corporate-advertisement-free and corporation-foundation-free website can only be sustained through collective support; your support. We are doing our share. We are asking you to do yours. Please do your share and help us continue this truly independent news and views venue. Please subscribe or donate to Boiling Frogs Post.